Y expansion solidifies its key role in city's downtown

Published: Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, June 28, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

Downtown Lexington boasts some long-time, anchor attractions that range from government buildings to churches, businesses to monuments. The J. Smith Young YMCA, which has operated since 1953 in its current facility with some expansions over the years,would certainly fall into that category. The Y brings thousands of people into downtown Lexington, a group that includes not only members but those who belong to civic clubs and other groups, swimmers and their parents, bowlers and many others. The Y, Edward C. Smith Civic Center and Davidson County Courthouse are most likely responsible for the greatest number of visitors to downtown each year.

The Lexington City Council on Monday approved making Hargrave Street one way between West Third and West Fourth avenues, which will allow the Y to expand. The facility is landlocked, so to add rest rooms for the dining area and increase the size of the swimming pool area required going toward Hargrave Street. The city's cost will be minimal, and the Y will pay for its work through a successful $1.5 million capital campaign. From time to time word surfaces about major downtown tenants considering a relocation, and no one wants to see that happen. The expansion should position the Y to remain a drawing card for Lexington's core.

Tourism has continued to become more and more important to Davidson County, and the unveiling this week of the North Carolina Daniel Boone Heritage Trail offers another option for visitors. The 22-mile trail along the Yadkin River features 10 historical locations that can be seen from those kayaking or canoeing along the river. The wider variety of attractions the county can offer, the better. The trail connects not only with outdoor water enthusiasts but also those who are interested in one of the nation's most famous outdoorsmen.

Homicides don't happen often in Davidson County, for which we can all be thankful. Many result in fairly quick arrests, as they are domestic related. But others don't point to a suspect immediately, so when an arrest comes, it brings relief to family members and the community. The Lexington Police Department charged three people with murder this week in the June 18 death of Maximino Rubio in his home on Barney Drive. Robbery appears to be the motive.

For the seventh time, youths and adults from across the nation visited Lexington to participate in a Group WorkCamp. The camp provides a mission opportunity for the youths and allows the completion of needed improvements at 50 sites around the county. Much of this work would never be undertaken without the volunteer effort. The Lexington Housing Community Development Corp. does an excellent job hosting the camp each year, which is one reason it continues to return to the county.

<p>Downtown Lexington boasts some long-time, anchor attractions that range from government buildings to churches, businesses to monuments. The <B>J. Smith Young YMCA, </B>which has operated since 1953 in its current facility with some expansions over the years,would certainly fall into that category. The Y brings thousands of people into downtown Lexington, a group that includes not only members but those who belong to civic clubs and other groups, swimmers and their parents, bowlers and many others. The Y, Edward C. Smith Civic Center and Davidson County Courthouse are most likely responsible for the greatest number of visitors to downtown each year.</p><p>The Lexington City Council on Monday approved making Hargrave Street one way between West Third and West Fourth avenues, which will allow the Y to expand. The facility is landlocked, so to add rest rooms for the dining area and increase the size of the swimming pool area required going toward Hargrave Street. The city's cost will be minimal, and the Y will pay for its work through a successful $1.5 million capital campaign. From time to time word surfaces about major downtown tenants considering a relocation, and no one wants to see that happen. The expansion should position the Y to remain a drawing card for Lexington's core.</p><p>Tourism has continued to become more and more important to Davidson County, and the unveiling this week of the <B>North Carolina Daniel Boone Heritage Trail </B>offers another option for visitors. The 22-mile trail along the Yadkin River features 10 historical locations that can be seen from those kayaking or canoeing along the river. The wider variety of attractions the county can offer, the better. The trail connects not only with outdoor water enthusiasts but also those who are interested in one of the nation's most famous outdoorsmen.</p><p>Homicides don't happen often in Davidson County, for which we can all be thankful. Many result in fairly quick arrests, as they are domestic related. But others don't point to a suspect immediately, so when an arrest comes, it brings relief to family members and the community. The Lexington Police Department <B>charged three people with murder </B>this week in the June 18 death of Maximino Rubio in his home on Barney Drive. Robbery appears to be the motive.</p><p>For the seventh time, youths and adults from across the nation visited Lexington to participate in a <B>Group WorkCamp</B>. The camp provides a mission opportunity for the youths and allows the completion of needed improvements at 50 sites around the county. Much of this work would never be undertaken without the volunteer effort. The Lexington Housing Community Development Corp. does an excellent job hosting the camp each year, which is one reason it continues to return to the county.</p>